Orthodontic elastics, commonly called rubber bands, are small, removable, medical-grade bands used with braces to correct the alignment of your bite. These elastics connect the upper and lower teeth, applying specific, continuous pressure to move the teeth and jaw into their proper relationship. This targeted force corrects malocclusions like overbites, underbites, or crossbites, which is necessary for a successful treatment outcome.
The General Rule for Mealtimes
You should generally remove orthodontic elastics before consuming solid food. Most orthodontists advise taking the bands out immediately before a meal that requires significant chewing and replacing them afterward. This recommendation prevents discomfort and protects the integrity of the bands and the progress of your treatment.
Exceptions exist when consuming liquids or very soft, non-chewy foods. Drinking water or having soft foods like soup, yogurt, or mashed potatoes may be possible without removal, as these require minimal chewing force. However, the decision must always align with the specific instructions provided by your orthodontist, as their guidance is tailored to your individual treatment plan. Some patients are instructed to wear elastics while eating to utilize the chewing motion for additional corrective force, but this is not the standard instruction.
Risks of Eating While Wearing Elastics
Failing to remove the elastics before chewing can compromise your orthodontic treatment. One common issue is the risk of breakage, as the force exerted during chewing, especially on tougher foods, can cause the elastic to snap. A broken elastic immediately halts the therapeutic force being applied to the teeth, which sets back the treatment timeline.
Chewing with elastics also poses significant hygiene issues, as food debris easily becomes trapped around the bands and brackets. This trapped food is difficult to clean with the elastics in place, increasing the potential for plaque buildup and a higher risk of developing cavities. Furthermore, the continuous stretching and abrasion from chewing weaken the elastic material, causing it to lose its intended force. An elastic that has lost its elasticity cannot apply the necessary sustained pressure, rendering it therapeutically ineffective.
Maintaining Treatment Progress (Wear Time)
Compliance with the wear schedule is the most significant factor in maintaining consistent treatment progress. For elastics to be effective in moving teeth and correcting the bite, they must be worn for a continuous, high number of hours, typically around 22 hours per day. This means elastics should only be removed for the minimum amount of time necessary for meals and proper oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing.
It is important to replace the elastics with a fresh pair immediately after eating and cleaning your teeth. The elastic material naturally loses tension and stretches out over time, and a worn band will not provide the prescribed corrective force. Elastics should be replaced at least after every meal and before bedtime, or as often as your orthodontist instructs, to ensure the consistent application of force. Inconsistent wear, even for a single day, can cause the teeth to revert slightly, undoing previous progress and causing renewed soreness when the elastics are put back on.